Overview
- Public, safety‑driver‑free rides began November 26 on Yas Island, where eligible UberX or Uber Comfort trips may be matched to a WeRide robotaxi.
- Riders can boost their chances by choosing Uber’s new “Autonomous” option, the platform’s first dedicated category for driverless trips, with support available via the app and an in‑vehicle tablet.
- The launch follows WeRide’s October federal approval and Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre issuing the first city‑level licence for fully driverless robotaxi operations outside the United States.
- Operations mirror Uber’s Waymo model, with Uber and taxi operator Tawasul handling fleet cleaning, charging, maintenance, inspections and rider support, while WeRide oversees vehicle testing and sensor calibration.
- Uber and WeRide say coverage will extend to additional Abu Dhabi areas by year‑end and outline plans to reach 15 more cities over five years, as WeRide reports Q3 revenue up 144% year over year and progress toward unit‑economics breakeven in the emirate.